Two men have been jailed after admitting carrying out a burglary at a village pub in Warrington.
The two men were caught after breaking into the Horseshoe Inn at Croft, during the early hours, thanks to prompt action by the public and police.
Stephen Martin, aged 37, of Tapestry Gardens in Birkenhead was sentenced to four years and James Dean, aged 38, of Portland Street, Birkenhead will serve three years.
Both were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 26 February after pleading guilty.
The court heard how in the early hours of Monday 28 January 2019 Martin and Dean caused damage to the property as they broke into the Horseshoe Inn on Smithy Lane in Croft.
Although both men ran away from the pub as they heard police arriving, members of the public told officers at the scene that a blue Ford KA had been seen driving around a road close by.
Officers quickly located the vehicle which had been left abandoned at the end of Browmere Drive close to Round Thorn where the local community had seen the men driving around.
Checks made on the vehicle revealed Dean owned the KA and officers commenced an area search with the help of dog patrols and the police helicopter.
Both Martin and Dean were found hiding in a farm outbuilding on Dam Lane a short time later and were arrested.
Detective Constable David Gerrard, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “The fast response of all those involved in the initial stages of the investigation has helped get justice for the victim.
“It goes to show how important it is for the local community to come forward with information.
“Due to this the officers were able to identify Dean and commence a full search which resulted in Martin and Dean being found quickly.”
